About MDA

Architectural Firm

Founded in July 2005

BASED IN THE EASTERN CAPE

Founded in July 2005 by Samkelo Mbalo, Pat Dalgleish, and Duncan Angus in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, MDA Architects has grown into a multidisciplinary practice with offices in Port Elizabeth, East London, and Mthatha. We specialize in a diverse range of projects, including commercial, governmental, residential, and mixed-use developments. Our portfolio features notable projects such as the Potsdam Engineering Faculty and Project T. reflecting our commitment to creating spaces that are both functional and contextually relevant.

At MDA Architects, we believe in architecture that responds meaningfully to its environment, balancing aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Our approach is collaborative and client-focused, ensuring that each project is tailored to meet specific needs while contributing positively to the built environment. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions that stand the test of time.

Our Design Objectives

At MDA Architects, our design objectives are grounded in context, purpose, and clarity. We strive to create architecture that responds meaningfully to its environment—whether natural, cultural, or urban—while delivering spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional. Sustainability is a core priority, with every project designed for longevity, energy efficiency, and responsible material use. We favour simplicity and restraint, allowing structure, light, and form to express themselves with honesty and strength. Above all, our design process centres around people — crafting intuitive, uplifting spaces shaped through collaboration with clients, communities, and professionals alike.

Our Expertise

MDA Architects brings together a multidisciplinary team with deep experience across the built environment. Our strength lies in delivering thoughtful, technically sound, and visually striking architecture — from concept to completion. We specialise in commercial, governmental, residential, industrial, hospitality and mixed-use developments, with a proven ability to navigate complex briefs and tight urban or rural contexts. Our expertise spans not only architectural design but also project management, construction oversight, and turnkey delivery. Whether we’re restoring heritage buildings or breaking ground on new developments, we combine design excellence with practical know-how to deliver lasting value for our clients and communities.

Services

  • Commercial Architecture
  • Goverment & Public Projects
  • Residential Design
  • Turnkey Solutions
  • Renovations & Adaptive Reuse
  • Heritage & Revitalization
  • Project Management
  • Principal Agency

Workflow

  • Understand the Site
  • Shape the Vision
  • Collaborate & Refine
  • Deliver with Care
  • Reflect & Grow

Core values

  • Integrity
  • Excellence
  • Responsiveness
  • Collaboration
  • Innovation
  • Respect for Place

The Numbers

Completed Projects

%

Interior Design

Our Workflow

Phase 1

Understand the Site

We begin by immersing ourselves in the landscape, culture, and community to unlock the unique story of each project.

Phase 2

Shape the Vision

Ideas take form through concept sketches and models, always driven by function, light, and material honesty.

Phase 3

Collaborate & Refine

Working closely with clients, consultants, and communities, we refine the design into something meaningful and buildable.

Phase 4

Deliver with Care

From drawings to site supervision, we guide each detail to life, ensuring design integrity and construction quality.

Phase 5

Reflect & Grow

After completion, we revisit our work to learn, adapt, and continue raising the bar on architectural excellence.

Our Core Values

Integrity

We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability — always placing trust at the centre of our client relationships.

Exellence

We hold ourselves to the highest design and technical standards, constantly refining our craft to deliver work of lasting quality.

Responsiveness

We listen, adapt, and respond — to context, client needs, and emerging challenges — with agility and care.

Collaboration

We believe architecture is a shared process. Our best work comes through open dialogue with clients, consultants, and communities.

Innovation

We embrace new ideas, technologies, and ways of thinking to push the boundaries of what’s possible and relevant in the built environment.

Respect for Place

We design with a deep sensitivity to site, culture, and history — creating architecture that belongs and endures.

Echoing Christian Norberg-Schulz (Genius Loci / Place & Spirit)

“We believe good architecture does not simply occupy space — it reveals the spirit of place, grounding people in memory, identity, and meaning.”